Recovering from a stem cell transplant

What's in this section?

Some people find their stem cell transplant recovery quite straightforward, while others might find it difficult and demanding in various ways.

Either way, your recovery will probably affect many aspects of your life, including:

• physical effects on your body
• effects on your mind, emotions and mental health
• changes to your lifestyle and everyday activities.

Every transplant recovery is unique and might present its own set of challenges. These pages are here to guide and support you through your recovery journey.

How might recovery affect my body?

This information explains what to expect and how to manage the physical side of your recovery. From fatigue or infections, to hospital check-ups, and other possible side effects, we cover the most important topics related to your body.

Our Body section offers support and advice on:

• Physical side effects during recovery
• Managing fatigue after a stem cell transplant
• Dealing with infections
• Graft versus host disease (GvHD)
• Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI)
• Hospital visits during recovery
• Sex after a stem cell transplant
• Late effects after a stem cell transplant

How might recovery affect my mind?

This information helps you learn how recovering from a stem cell transplant could affect your thoughts, feelings and mental health. From emotions you might feel and how your relationships could change, to worries about body image and memory, we’ll explore every part of recovery relating to your mind.

Our Mind section offers support and advice on:

• Your mental health after stem cell transplant
• Finding support for your mental health
• Memory and concentration
• Body image after a stem cell transplant
• Your relationships with other people
• What if my stem cell transplant doesn’t work?

How might recovery affect my life?

This information explores ways of learning to adapt and getting back to feeling comfortable with life after your stem cell transplant. From topics like exercise and diet, to financial support and returning to work or education, we’ll share ideas on getting back to everyday routine and normality after your transplant.

Our Life section offers support and advice on:

• Diet after a stem cell transplant
• Exercise after a stem cell transplant
• Financial support after a stem cell transplant
• Returning to work
• Returning to education
• Taking control of your recovery and living well
• Travelling abroad after transplant
• Partying, alcohol, smoking and drugs
• Getting in touch with your donor

Watch our video: Sarah's story

In the animated video below, Sarah shares her story of leukaemia diagnosis and explains how she managed life after her stem cell transplant.